Obituary

Marvin Lee Harder

March 16, 1931 - October 14, 2013

Marvin Lee Harder, 82, passed away Oct. 14, 2013, at Hawks Ridge Assisted Living Community in Hood River, Ore. Marvin was born March 16, 1931, in Gregory, S.D., to Melvin L. and Clara L. (Smith) Harder. The family relocated to Hood River in 1933.There is a Celebration of Life planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Elks Lodge, 304 Cascade Ave., Hood River, Ore.Marvin graduated from Hood River High School in 1949 where he was student body president his senior year. That August he married Barbara Jean Colvin. He and Barbara later moved to San Diego, Calif., where he served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954.After receiving an Honorable Discharge he and Barbara moved back to Hood River. He worked various jobs until he went to work for Hal Shelton in 1956 at what was then called Hal’s Men’s Wear at 208 Oak St. Marvin worked for Hal for seven years and then purchased the business from him in 1963, changing the name to Marv’s for Men. Marv’s for Men was a fixture in downtown Hood River for the next 24 years. Marv was famous for his quick smile, great customer service and his uncanny ability to know the exact size and selection of anyone you had to buy a gift for. Marvin was the first person ever awarded the Hood River Chamber of Commerce Business Man of the Year. He was a longtime member of the Elks and served as the Exalted Ruler in 1982. He was instrumental in helping bring the Little League to the town of Hood River and served several years as the district administrator for Little League in the 1960s. He was also a longtime volunteer at the Hood River Fire Department. Marvin enjoyed golfing and was an avid card player. Marvin is survived and will be dearly missed by his sons, David of Arcadia, Calif., Ron and his wife, Linda, of Hood River, and Rick and his wife, Jeanine, of Eugene, Ore.; four grandchildren: Ronda Strong, Ryan Harder, Sam Harder and Jake Harder; and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.